AUSTRALIA IMMIGRATION NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Where are we, and where we might be heading?

With its abrupt spread all over the world, COVID-19 is undoubtedly a catastrophe that spawned a crisis, and has affected many people’s lives.

I’m often asked why I chose to live in Western Australia and not the more popular and ‘attractive’ eastern states. Having a Skilled Independent visa, I could live and work anywhere in Australia, but the following reasons justify why going where everyone else goes is not always the best choice.

For one, living in one of the world’s more isolated cities make it easier for the local government to shut the state down during a global pandemic, just like the one we are presently experiencing. To give the government credit, this strategy actually worked and we’ve experienced several days now with ZERO new coronavirus cases.

On the 12th of March 2020, the Australian Government announced that travel restrictions will continue to apply to travelers arriving from any part of mainland China, Iran, Republic of Korea and Italy.

Just in, Australia’s Immigration Minister Peter Dutton was tested positive for the COVID19.

An old local living in the outback once told me that ‘’…money is only a part of life, you’ll live nicely with lots of money but here, life’s not that bad even if you have only a little… “he followed up quickly saying, “work too is only a part of life here…if you have to work, that’s part of life but if you don’t have to work, you’ll definitely have more life!”…Although he said these with a wink, I believe there is some truth.

If you’re living in Asia and contemplating moving to Australia, the ideal choice of location is typically Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane…Why? Many will say it’s because of increased work opportunities. However, as surely as there are more jobs in these big cities, you might want to consider, that along with more jobs comes more competition; and this not only for jobs but also schools, property, space and generally, the stress of living in a more crowded place.

The past decade has been a rollercoaster ride for Australia Immigration programme – a decade full of ups and downs – that it feels like a diverse period in history. The 2010s have brought so many developments, and at the same time political and social struggles that have made it a very turbulent decade, especially to those contemplating to migrate across to Australia.

We can easily put the blame to the authorities, making it more difficult for aspiring migrants to penetrate, but somehow thanks to them as well for redefining policies and regulations, still giving migration opportunities to us rather than nothing.

NTRUST has been assisting thousands of families since 2003 migrating to Australia from Singapore or elsewhere, thus, we have seen drastic changes with the immigration rules and regulations. Truth be told, many families now are feeling hesitant to pursue their Australian dream life because of the uncertainties surrounding the immigration policies. Is the golden age of Australia migration really gone?

More opportunities for International Students.

Perth and Canberra now belongs to Regional Cities!

The definition of regional Australia is changing – at least for migration purposes. Starting today, new definitions will apply to a range of Australian cities and regional zones, with impacts on visa processing, skilled migration and international education opportunities.

Victoria welcomes nomination applications under the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) which allows Points-tested skilled workers and their families to live, study and work in designated regional areas of Australia for a period of 5 years.

More and more opportunities for the Skilled Migrants and International Students.

After the initial success of the federal government’s initiative, they’ve decided to increase the allocation for regional places in their immigration scheme for this year from 23,000 to 25,000. Aside from that, Perth and Gold Coast will no longer classify as major cities in an effort to make them destinations for Skilled Migrants and International Students.

The state nomination migration program Graduate stream will be more accessible for international students very sooner who study in Western Australia with new Graduate Occupation List to be available before December 2019 invitation round.

Premier Mark McGowan recently announced that the Graduate Stream of the SNMP will be extended to include vocational education and training (VET) graduates who complete a qualification in Western Australia at Certificate III level or above, excluding trade occupations (unless approved for delivery to international students).